So I have definitely been slacking with my regular music posts so expect a good one this time around!
I've recently been on a huge powerpop kick and have been digging deep into the wells of it. I have also been going to a few shows so I have some new stuff to share with you!! Without further ado.....
1. Empty Heads (bandcamp link)
Deceiver - Empty Heads (youtube link)
These dudes rip. I met these babes while living in Calgary and they recently finished a Canadian tour where they stopped by Toronto and I was able to see them. Super fuzzed out melodic pop punk and they describe their sound as "brunch rock" which actually makes perfect sense once you hear them. Aside from creating amazing tuneage, they also happen to be the raddest bunch of guys I have ever met...so genuine, comical, intelligent, and exhilarating. From crushing beers until the wee hours of the morning to skinny dipping in Lake Ontario these babes know how to have a great time, all while making excellent music with a wicked 90's vibe.
2. The Shivvers (youtube link)
For years I have been looking for more artists like this but never really knew where to look or what to call it. The genre/term 'powerpop' is actually relatively new to me over the past couple of years. My dad would always use it when describing certain bands but I never really understood....until now! The Shivvers are a female-fronted (can never get enough of that) powerpop band from Milwaukee and they pretty much perfect it.
3. The Reactions (mp3 link)
So the late 70's/early 80's was a pretty magical time for powerpop/pop punk in Florida and these guys were spearheading it. Their EP Love Me is one of the most sought after records and for a damn good reason...just listen to it and if it doesn't give you butterflies/make you wanna sing along loudly/dance your fucking tits off/drop $500 on it then there is something wrong with you. This EP really speaks to my inner hopeless romantic. <3
4. Screaming Sneakers (youtube link)
More Florida pop punk from the early 80's! And it's female-fronted! And it's a solid record front to back! And it's rare so good luck finding a copy of it! :( They also do a cover of The Reactions I Can't Help It and they totally nail it. Aaaaand Lisa Nash is the babeliest of babes.
5. The Viletones (youtube link)
This past week I was fortunate enough to see one of the greatest Canadian punk bands, the Viletones. Whe I first heard them I was probably around 7 years old and my dad has this old CFNY compilation cd and their song Screamin' Fist was on it. My brother and I would listen to that song over and over again (the lyrical structure is pretty appealing to a youngin') and that song and band grew to be a crucial part of our childhood and was one of the stepping stones into our love for punk rock.
6. The Abusers (youtube link)
More female-fronted Florida punk! Love the raw energy they exude and how they play. This is my kind of punk rock. I discovered these guys while in a Youtube wormhole (those suggested links on the side are DEADLY). If anyone has any links or downloads or whatever regarding the Abusers send them my way! I'm having a super hard time finding much of their stuff.
7. Pointed Sticks (youtube link)
Hailing from Vancouver, these dudes are one of the most underrated Canadian exports. I drool over their use of synthesizer and speedy guitar work. They also get their name from some of the dialogue in the Monty Python sketch 'Self Defense Against Fresh Fruit' which is pretty rad.
